Admiral Chester W Nimitz Elementary School

my son has learning disabilities that this school absolutely refused to recognize and wanted to force my son to be retested to prove he needed extra help. The teacher even went so far as to insult his kindergarten teacher who had helped get him tested the previous year! the first grade teacher refused to listen to me, and then when she had issues with my son spent two months making him cry on a a regular basis. She then would yell at the parents of her students as if we were children, based on my experience with the school at the beginning of the year when i tried to get my sons disabilities recognized and helped i decided to just pull him and home school him. He is doing much better now and we hope to get a pass to get him to Mokulele Elementary, which i have heard is much better. my son was not the only one with this issue. if you have a special needs child avoid this school like the plaque!
--Submitted by a parent

We are new military family and my kids (7 & 11) were accepted with open hearts. I love the staff, the principal, the A+ after care program, the nurse, the PTO, lunchroom staff...EVERYONE was always available, supportive & caring. My "haole" kids got more than they gave.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an outstanding school, the best overall school in the Hickam community. Mr. Lee (Principal) is very down to earth and always looks out for his students best interest. The teachers do a superb job and always kept us abreast on our childrens progress. This school is more in tune with the local traditions and island history. Our kids miss this school.
--Submitted by a parent

IEP process was slow and arduous. Teachers and staff alike were unprepared for my child's specific learning disability. Staff was unsupportive in the formation of an adequate IEP program and presented many obstacles to a free and equal education.
--Submitted by a parent

Out of the 3 schools in Hickam, Nimitz is more student oriented. The teacher/pupil ratio is very low and they kids are actually learning. My daughter is now in 2nd grade, she started K at Nimitz and so far I have loved every teacher she was in. They encouraged kids to think and actually not only book smart but also life smart. The principal, v-principal and the whole staff are very friendly, yet professional and strict to the kids. They also encourage parent involvement throughout the year. We are leaving this year and I'm hoping that my daughter will get the same level of education as what she gets from Nimitz. Thanks and keep up the good work.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, because of my schedule; I have not volunteered at the school. I realize by not volunteering, I leave many of the decisions in the hands of others. My child attended an IB school in CO prior to moving here. Her homework at Nimitz was right on track with higher learning. She is challenged and her teacher is very involved in her progress. The one thing that stands out is the lack of playground equipment. A school this size should have more for the children to do at recess. I am unaware of any after-school sporting opportunities.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. I live in Waianae and did not want my daughter to go to school there. I had a hard time getting a district exception for her to start kindergarten, because none of the schools would help me. The person I talked to on the phone at Nimitz tried her best to help me - she gave several phone numbers to call for info about the
--Submitted by Mary Naweli, a parent

This was our first experience with a school. Overall I was pretty happy with it. The reading program for kindergartners changed while we were there and I wasn't happy with the new program. My oldest son was in kindergarten with the old program and he learned to read better than my middle son who used the new program. Other than that though, I have no complaints.
--Submitted by a parent

Nimitz has been an excellent learning place for both of our children. Our son has attended 3 years and our daughter 2. Our son is in 2nd grade and reading at a 5th grade level. Our daughter is in 1st and reading at a 4th grade level. The staff is warm, positive, supportive, patient, caring, professional and communicative. I will admit our skepticism upon our arrival as all of the information and experiences we seemed to hear reflected only a negative light on Hawaii schools. The primary years are the most important and the Nimitz faculty and volunteers really put their best foot forward, their heart into what they have chosen to do and - ABOVE ALL - put the children and their needs first. There is a reason they are a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School! Thank you for preparing our children adequately for their future in education and life!
--Submitted by Mitchell & Vanya Malmstead, a parent

I don't know about the previous parent's review but I agree with the other two parents. The school is willing to work with me about my children's education. As with any school K-12 the parent has to also take initiative in their kids education. So far my children are excelling and I have identified their weaknesses and are helping them at home. As far as I am concerned, the teachers are doing a good job in teaching my kids. Now it's my job to enforce what they are being taught. To do this the teachers have meetings with me and go through their syllabus and their teaching method, I find this to be beneficial to me and my children.
--Submitted by Jerry Jaime, a parent